Firefox has decided to put an end to websites that promote cryptomining scripts, and for this purpose it is working with a company called Disconnect. In the future, such scripts will be blocked in Firefox by default .
Some of the sites that Firefox will block aren't primarily intended to steal users' resources. For example, Coinhive had scripts that used "cryptocurrency mining" to make payments for content or as an alternative to existing authentication protocols. However, many misused the services , which led to it being blocked by Chrome last year.
Firefox writes the following regarding its decision to block the sites:
«Some scripts, called “cryptominers”, run expensive operations in your browser without your knowledge or consent, using your computer's CPU power to generate cryptocurrency for someone else's benefit. These scripts slow down your computer, drain your battery and increase your electricity bill”.
Firefox goes on to say that in a future version it will block these scripts by default, to protect users.
Google has already blocked all these sites by default since last year.
The ability to use CPU power (proof-of-work) as a means of payment is one of the ideas behind Bitcoin. Adam Back also came up with Hashcashto reduce attacks, such as spam emails. The idea is that if hackers have to pay a certain amount of money for every spam email they send, then the number of attacks will likely decrease.
However, most cryptomining scripts do not help prevent attacks nor allow users to use CPU power instead of money.
Conversely, this technology is used by some for malicious purposes.
